CARI, Bhubaneswar, 10 September 2026: A two-day Pre-WAC Hybrid Workshop on “Manuscriptology for South East Asia RO Countries” commenced today, 10 September 2026, and will continue on 11 September 2026. The workshop is being jointly organised by the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bhubaneswar, and WHO-SS National Institute of Medical Heritage (NIMH), Hyderabad, with a focus on the preservation, conservation and documentation of ancient medical manuscripts and traditional medical knowledge.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, and Electronics & Information Technology, Government of Odisha. In his address, he highlighted the importance of preserving the rich heritage of traditional medical knowledge and ancient manuscripts for future generations.

The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Dr. M. M. Rao, Director, CCRAS-CARI, Bhubaneswar. The presidential address was delivered by Prof. Vd. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, New Delhi.

Other distinguished dignitaries participating in and addressing the workshop include Dr. G. P. Prasad, In-charge, WHO-CC and Director I/c., CCRAS-NIMH, Hyderabad; Dr. Anjana Panda, Director of AYUSH, Government of Odisha; and Dr. Saket Ram, Research Officer and Coordinator, CCRAS-NIMH, Hyderabad. The dignitaries emphasised the significance of systematic preservation, documentation and scientific study of ancient medical manuscripts as an important component of safeguarding traditional knowledge systems.

During the workshop, Dr. M. M. Padhi, Ex-Deputy Director General, CCRAS, New Delhi, elaborated on the role and methodologies of preserving medical manuscripts from different South-East Asian countries. Special emphasis was placed on India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Myanmar, including the study of common scripts, local languages, regional variations and textual traditions associated with traditional medicine. All the Research officers of CARI, Bhubaneswar coordinate the above programme with successful manner.

The technical sessions are focusing on various aspects of manuscriptology, including preventive and curative conservation of palm-leaf and paper manuscripts, appropriate preservation techniques, documentation, handling and long-term protection of valuable manuscript collections.

A special panel discussion and brainstorming session involving experts in manuscriptology and manuscript conservation is also being organised as part of the workshop. The panel deliberates on challenges and opportunities in the preservation of ancient medical manuscripts, exchange of knowledge and expertise among South-East Asian countries, and the development of collaborative approaches for safeguarding traditional medical heritage.

The workshop provides an important platform for scholars, manuscript experts, researchers and traditional medicine specialists to share knowledge and strengthen regional cooperation in the preservation and conservation of the rich manuscript heritage of South-East Asia.